R. Schaezlein & Sons - RARE US West Historical - 14k Gold & Enamel Society Badge

Description: R. Schaezlein & Sons - RARE US West Historical Piece - 14k Gold & Enamel Society Badge with American Flags (13 stars from 1777-1795), Scales of Justice & the letter "A" inside a star. “Secretary General” 1 1/2" tall Weighs 7.93 grams Good used condition. Please see pics for details.History: In the late 1870’s Robert Schaezlein I came to San Francisco, from Germany via Providence, R.I. initially working for silversmith F. Kroger. In 1882, he started his own business as simply R. Schaezlein, manufacturing society badges, school and religious medals, some flatware, gold and silver plating, and other silversmithing (according to the 1882 Langley's San Francisco Directory). In 1888 he joined with Benjamin Burridge to form Schaezlein and Burridge and they continued with the plating, society badges, etc., until the early 1900’s. Sometime around the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire, Burridge was no longer in the business with him and Robert was joined by his son, Robert F. Schaezlein Sr. The business became R. Schaezlein & Son. After the earthquake and fire, they rescued what equipment that they could (much of the records, dies, and things that they were making were lost, therefore our information is sketchy for those first couple of years). They moved the shop by horse drawn wagon from downtown to the basement of their home on Clay St. They continued to manufacture there, and addition, Robert F. (having been trained also as a jeweler) crafted fine jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones for some of the notable people of San Francisco. In the subsequent years due to his age, Robert I became less involved with the business and was not a part of it as it evolved into the western silver business it became. In the early teens and 20’s Robert F. started doing silver work (mostly saddle, harness, and bridle) for the Visalia Stock Saddle Co. and continued for many years. He also made the hand-forged Monel Visalia Humane Bit that later became famous. In the late 20’s he started making several Levi Strauss award buckles including the annually awarded World Champion All Around Cowboy buckles and the Six Time Winner Trophy Buckle. He also made award buckles for the Grand National Rodeo, Horse, and Livestock Show at the San Francisco Cow Palace. After an argument over the patenting and outsourced casting of the Visalia Humane bit in 1936, he ended the relationship with Visalia Stock Saddle Co. Around that time he began work for Al Nolte, and subsequently, the Nolte-Olsen Saddle Shop. He manufactured custom silver belt buckles and a variety of western silver saddle and harness trimmings for western saddle makers and various western stores including C.C. Star, Bona Allen, Hamley and Co., Keyston Brothers, and Ray Holes Saddle Shop. Beginning in the early 1950’s through the late 1960’s they made the classic Saddleman buckle for Levi Strauss, depicting their trademarke figure of a cowboy walking away with a saddle slung over his shoulder. Although he did some work during his school years, Robert F. Schaezlein, Jr. didn’t join his Dad in the business until after the War in 1946. Bob took engraving classes from German master engraver Fred Newmeyer which enabled him to do fine hand-cut lettering, and then from various people over the years, learned much of the ornamental engraving. Bob Jr.’s sister Louise also worked a lot for her Dad at the shop during the 1940s. Bob’s daughter Nancy and son Gary also worked in the shop as they were growing up. In 1963, about three years after the death of Robert F., Sr., the shop was moved to its present location. Bob was joined by his son, Robert F. Schaezlein, III in 1986. They manufactured a variety of western silver items of which many are custom made. They continued to use the old embossing screw press that survived the 1906 earthquake and many of the wonderful old figure, buckle, and concho dies that have been part of the company's signature look for the last century or more. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2008 and is sorely missed. Rob is continuing the family business and tradition of fine German craftsmanship his Dad, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather built and maintained over 100 years ago.

Price: 1224.99 USD

Location: Easley, South Carolina

End Time: 2024-09-16T13:26:45.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD